How does Gagne get a save???

[LouisC9999]

He pitched .1 inning, both teams were scoreless in the 9th, and the final score was 9-4.

[mtarail]

I just learned this on Baseball Tonight.

The pitcher is eligible for a save if the tying run is on deck with 2 outs. That was Gagne's situation up 5 five runs with the bases loaded so he gets the save.

[sfgfan4life]

I'm not sure about this b/c I wasn't watching the game but from the box score it looks like he came in with the tieing run either up or on deck. In this situation I believe it counts as a save.

[LBJackal]

The definition of a save is very broad. If the tying run is due to be on deck, then he gets the save (or something like that). Therefore, if he came in with the bases loaded, and 2 outs, then the on-deck batter would be the tying run. And he gets the save. It's not just a clear-cut "you get a save if you come in with a lead of 3 or less runs". There are very weird rules for how to get a save.

[Giants Rule]

Here's the definition of a save:

SAVES FOR RELIEF PITCHERS
10.20
Credit a pitcher with a save when he meets all three of the following conditions: (1) He is the finishing pitcher in a game won by his club; and (2) He is not the winning pitcher; and (3) He qualifies under one of the following conditions: (a) He enters the game with a lead of no more than three runs and pitches for at least one inning; or (b) He enters the game, regardless of the count, with the potential tying run either on base, or at bat, or on deck (that is, the potential tying run is either already on base or is one of the first two batsmen he faces); or (c) He pitches effectively for at least three innings. No more than one save may be credited in each game.